If experience is an ally Daman will have an edge today against Matthew. Daman began his Birchmont career as a caddy for Jody Gumlia 32 years ago and his playing days at the Birchmont began when he was 15 years old.

He started his playing career in the Junior Division but advanced to Men's Championship at 18. And, except for one year, Daman has been in the Men's Championship ever since. His top finishes have been runner-up placings in 1998 to Steve Erickson and 2003 to Rick Passolt.

"I played in the Executive Division one year and lost in the semifinals," Daman said. "After that year I realized that I needed to be in the Men's Championship. I feel that if I play my best golf I can still win in that division. And I would hate to win a different division when I still feel that I could challenge in the Men's."

Today's match against Matthew will present a different type of challenge.

"Sam is a great player and the one thing I can't be worried about is how far the younger guys hit the ball," Daman said. "My job is to stay in the moment and not worry about what my opponent is doing.

"Experience has nothing to do with having an edge over the other guy," Daman added. "Experience is a factor in how you control your emotions. Experience won't help me beat Sam but it will help me stay within my own boundaries."

Despite his youth Matthew also is an experienced Birchmonter. This year is his first foray into the Men's Championship waters but he does have a pair of Junior Division titles and a runner-up finish on his resume.

When today's match starts at 9:18 a.m. Daman will be hoping that Matthew plays well.

"Golf is so humbling and I've been humbled so much in this tournament," Daman said. "Half the guys are going to lose every day and when I start my round I don't worry about winning or losing. I want to play well and I want my opponent to play well.

"I desperately would like to win the Birchmont but on the flip side is that I want to win it while playing my best," Daman continued. "What I like about being in the Birchmont is that, win or lose, everybody is gracious. The golfers know how to react when they win and how to react when they lose."

Jenkins has the division's longest current winning streak as he is the defending champion. He added to that streak Tuesday by bouncing Ben Cahill 6-5.

"The main difference in being the defending champion is that you can relax on Monday and Tuesday instead of grinding it out for six straight days," Jenkins said.

In today's second round Jenkins will battle Chris Curb and he hopes that he can match Monday's level of play.

Jenkins played steady golf while Cahill struggled. He was 2-under-par when the match ended.

Another goal this week is to have fun.

"Before last year I hadn't been back to the Birchmont for four years and I had forgotten how much fun playing in the tournament is," Jenkins said.

"I would love to defend my title but no matter what happens I'm going to have fun."